SAFE WORK PRACTICE

FORKLIFT

All employees are to be aware that only licensed persons are to operate a forklift, unless enrolled with a Registered Training Organisation and under the direct supervision of a licensed person.

Under NO circumstances must a person under the age of 18 years operate a forklift.

OPERATION

  • Pre-start to be done Monday of each week.
  • Walk around check to be done before each operation.
  • Set forks at correct width.
  • Always perform a test lift.
  • Note: Load to be 20% less than SWL if the load is suspended and able to swing.
  • Be aware of uneven ground.
  • Always reverse out of shed or down ramps.
  • Always wear seat belt.
  • Never operate machinery while using mobile phone.
  • Always apply park brake and lower hydraulics when finished.

JIB ATTACHMENT

  • Secure jib onto forks with purpose made pins.
  • Assess weight of load and set hook at correct position (safe workload limit - SWL).
  • Sling load – qualified rigger/dogman.
  • Note: Load to be 20% less than SWL if the load is suspended and able to swing
  • Test lift.
  • When job is complete: remove jib attachment.

HAZARDS

  • Damage to goods or forklift.
  • Serious injury orfatality from crush.
  • In the case of using a cage, serious injury or fatality from falling.
  • Forklift rollover.
  • Load slip/drop

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PTO for Work Platform (Cage) Attachment

SAFE WORK PRACTICE

FORKLIFT

All employees are to be aware that only licensed persons are to operate forklift, unless enrolled with a Registered Training Organisation and under the direct supervision of a licensed person.

Under NO circumstances must a person under the age of 18 years operate a forklift.

WORK PLATFORM (CAGE) ATTACHMENT

Some forklifts are specifically designed to lift personnel. For example, an “order-picking forklift truck” has an elevating platform from which the operator can load shelves as well as control platform elevation and steer the forklift.

Where work platforms/cages are used on forklifts that are not specifically designed to lift personnel, the following safety precautions apply:

  • Forklifts are equipped with velocity fuses or similar, i.e. valves in the hydraulic lines to prevent free fall in the event of a hose failure.
  • Secure cage onto forks with purpose made pins
  • A trial lift is conducted prior to use, to ensure there will be no contact with overhead power lines or other overhead obstructions.
  • Before a trial lift, a visual and theoretical assessment should be made in an attempt to confirm that the trial lift can be carried out safely. The assessment might include measuring the height of overhead obstructions such as trusses and pipelines.
  • The use of work platforms/cages is limited to special tasks of short duration where it is not possibleto use a scaffold or specially designed device.
  • The platform should not be used fortransporting people between work sites.
  • The forklift is suitably stabilised at all times while lifting a person or people, and preferably only usedon a hard, even and nominally level surface.
  • Travel controls are in neutral position with the parking brake engaged unless greasing crane booms.
  • The mast, if adjustable, is set at vertical.
  • The fork arms are set horizontal.

2 of 3PTO

  • The work platform/cage is securely (mechanically) attached to the forklift. This should be checkedby both the operator and people to be elevated.
  • The operator is seated at the forklift controls at all times while a person is in the work platform cage.
  • The operator keeps hands and feet clear of controls other than those in use.
  • The operator lifts and lowers the work platform/cage slowly and smoothly.
  • Personnel must stand on the work platform/cage floor at all times when elevated, and do not stand onthe mid-rail or hand rail to gain additional height.
  • Ladders or other means are not used in the work platform/cage to gain additional height.
  • The work platform/cage incorporates purpose designed points for attaching fall arrest harnesses, unless the work platform/cage is fully enclosed.
  • Forklifts are operated in accordance with the manufacturer’s specifications relating to:
  • a) design conditions;
  • b) design pressures, e.g. tyres (pneumatic tyres only) and hydraulics; and
  • c) control capabilities.
  • Forklifts are not loaded in excess of the manufacturer’s recommendations. Consult the loadcharts attached to the forklift and cage.
  • When job is complete; remove cage attachment.

Approved by Manager/Supervisor:

Date: / / 2016

I have read, understood and accept this Safe Work Practice.

Name:

Signed:

Date:

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Dieselforce6.15 ForkliftRevision: 2. 11th Sept. 2012